Get a Library Card

Who can get a card?

Anyone who resides or owns property within the Zion-Benton Public Library District is eligible for a FREE library card.

The Zion-Benton Public Library District includes Zion, Winthrop Harbor, and parts of Beach Park. Check your Library District here! Enter the required information, hit submit and then click on “Display/print (current year) tax bill/coupons payable in 2017.” to display the current tax bill which will show your current library district.

How do I get a card?

ONLINE: Apply for a library card online here. Click on “If you are not registered for library services, click or tap here to register now” and follow the prompts. Photo ID and current proof of address are still required to pick up your card. See below (What do I need to bring?) for requirements.

IN PERSON: Apply in person at the library. See below for requirements.

What do I need to bring?

When you apply for a library card bring with you two forms of ID. (Children under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult). You will need a valid photo ID and a current proof of address, such as a piece of mail. The library card will be valid for three years.

Choose Your Card

The cards were designed by the following artists: READ by ZB Library Staff Member Jasmine Aguirre, A NEW ADVENTURE by ZB Library Staff Member Kaya Wilson, SHAKESPEARE and FORMAL by Michael Kramer.

Reciprocal Borrowing

You can also use virtually any Illinois public library card to check out materials here at the Zion-Benton Public Library. Just bring your library card to the circulation desk along with photo ID and proof of your current address if your photo ID does not already have it. Borrowing privileges will be extended to out-of-town patrons for 1 year. It’s free to register your home library card for use at ZBPL!

Non-Resident Cards

Anyone who reside outside of the library district can purchase a Zion-Benton Public Library card for the nominal fee of $140.00. This covers one year of service for the entire household.

Teacher Cards

If you are employed in any of the schools within the Zion-Benton Public Library District, you may apply for a free teacher card, valid for one year. To apply onilne, click here or visit the Circulation Desk. Proof of employment and a photo ID will be required to pick up your card.

Lost Cards

Visit the Circulation Desk to replace your lost or damaged Zion-Benton Public Library card for FREE. Zion-Benton Public Library is unable to replace library cards originally issued by other libraries.

Fines & Fees

Borrowing anything from the library is free with a few exceptions. Overdue fines vary and are applied to items returned or renewed after the due date. Fees are also applied to damaged items and items that are not returned at all.

You can check on due dates, ask about fines, and renew items by using My Account or by calling us. For further help, visit our My Account Help page. We send due date reminders by email and overdue notices by mail or email. Keep your contact information up-to-date with My Account to keep receiving these notices. Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to return items to the library on time and in good condition.